Illuminated artificial fingernails

ABSTRACT

an illuminated artificial nail for human fingernails and toenails includes a base substrate having a top view footprint of a shape and size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, and having sufficient flexibility to form into, or having a general curvature of, a human nail, and attachable to a human fingernail. There is a lamp atop the base substrate and a power source connected to the lamp to illuminate it. There is also a top member having a single planar smooth top surface, the top member being selected from the group consisting of a top portion of the lamp, and a cover on top of the lamp. The top member has at least a portion thereof light transmittable, i.e., translucent or transparent.

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to artificial nails for both fingers and toes, but especially fingernails, wherein the nails have smooth flat top surfaces and are illuminatable or are illuminated. Thus, the present invention artificial nails may be self contained or may have separate power and/or switch surfaces. In some preferred embodiments, the nails have flat light and are press-to-turn-on and press-to-shut-off switch systems.

2. Information Disclosure Statement

The following patents relate to the field of modified artificial nails or sheet lamps:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,723 B1 is directed to artificial nails with three dimensional features that may be a representation of any known or imagined person, place or thing. The three dimensional feature may have a protrusion that is graspable to assist in placing the nail onto a toenail or fingernail. The artificial nail may have a tool or may have a writing instrument that is extendable/retractable, movable, and/or rotatable. The three dimensional feature may also have hair, a sound emitter and may include a power source and a light emitter to emit light from a portion of the three dimensional feature, such as a head's eyes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,192 describes an artificial nail or toenail that can provide an illusion of length with a varying color pattern, through the use of a three dimensional holographic image.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 433,536 illustrates a set of artificial toenails and fingernails that have protruding “Mickey Mouse” silhouette ears.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,382 describes electroluminescent lamps.

Notwithstanding the foregoing prior art patents, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious in view of said prior art references.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to an illuminated artificial nail for human fingernails and toenails, but especially for fingernails. The device includes a base substrate having a top view footprint of a shape and size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, and having sufficient flexibility to form into, or having a general curvature of, a human nail, the base substrate being attachable to a human fingernail. There is a lamp fixed to and located atop the base substrate and a power source connected to the lamp to illuminate it. There is also a top member having a single planar smooth top surface, the top member being selected from the group consisting of a top portion of the lamp, and a cover on top of the lamp. The top member has at least a portion thereof light transmittable, i.e., translucent or transparent. In many embodiments, the top member may be white, translucent in the white to cream color range, or it may have color like color transparencies. Thus, shades of reds, pinks, oranges, purples, magentas, yellows, golds, silvers and the like may be used. In some cases neon-like colors are preferred.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the illuminated artificial nail further includes an on/off switch connect to the power source and to the lamp. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power source is located between the top member and the base substrate. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power source is located remotely from the base substrate and is connected via wiring to the lamp.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power source is separated from the base substrate and lamp and has a housing that is attachable to a human. This housing includes attachment means selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a strap, a ring, a cut glove, and a bracelet.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lamp is elected from the group consisting of an LED, an LCD, a DC incandescent bulb and a laminated flat lamp.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the laminated flat lamp is a flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the illuminated artificial nail includes the base substrate, a flat power cell attached to the top the base substrate, a reciprocating on/off switch atop the base substrate and circuitry connecting the power cell the on/off switch and the lamp, the lamp being the flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source wherein its top laminate layer has the smooth top surface.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the illuminated artificial nail includes the base substrate, a flat power cell attached to the top the base substrate, a reciprocating on/off switch atop the base substrate and circuitry connecting the power cell the on/off switch and the lamp, and the top member located above all of the foregoing and attached to at least one of the foregoing. In some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the top member is flexible, at least at the switch, the switch is located below it and the switch may be turned on and off by pressing the top member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the top member is the flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source and it is flexible at least at the switch, the switch is located below it and the switch may be turned on and off by pressing the flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the nail is a disposable nail and includes illumination activation means that may be activated upon application to a nail.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the device also includes adhesive on the bottom of the base substrate for ready attachment. There may be a pealable strip that enables a user to remove the strip to expose the adhesive for application to a nail. In disposable versions, the removal of the strip may release or enable a circuit completion to turn on the light. When the battery dies, or when the evening is over, or whenever the user desires, the nail may be removed and thrown away. In non-disposable versions, the nail may be worn until damaged or until the user decides to remove it. In some preferred embodiments, the battery may be replaceable. This is most convenient when the power source is remotely located, e.g. on a ring, glove or otherwise from the nail itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention should be more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cut side view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention illuminated fingernail;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferred embodiment present invention nail;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferred embodiment present invention nail using a flat lamp and remote power source and switch;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferred embodiment present invention nail using an LCD, a LED or incandescent lamp with remote components;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention nail connected to a ring;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention nail connected to a finger-cut glove;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention nail connected to an adhesive pad;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention nail connected to a bracelet or watch; and,

FIG. 9 illustrates a set of present invention nails from taken FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, applied to nails and in full illumination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to flat smooth artificial nails that light up. They may have a curvature or may be flexible to yield to the natural curve of human nails, but to simulate nails, they must be free of three dimensional topography. FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cut side view of present invention illuminated fingernail 100. Nail 100 includes a base substrate 101, with a bottom 103 and a top 105. Bottom 105 may have adhesive (not shown) on it, or adhesive may be applied to it, to the natural nail to which it is attached or both. Base substrate may generally be made of any known plastic material that can be adhered to human nails, including, but not limited to natural and synthetic resins, acrylics, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, urethanes, etc.

On the top of base substrate 101 and attached to it or encased or otherwise held in the device, is a battery, fuel cell or other power source 107. Attached at the top is an electroluminescent sheet lamp 111 that has a smooth top laminate 117 a phosphorus activateable interlayer 115 and a base laminate 113 with appropriate circuitry for completing the circuit to illuminate it. The materials for these flat light are well known and within the purview of the flat light artisan. Power source 107 is electrically connected to lamp 111 and to switch 109, as shown. While it is shown as wired to illustrate the connections, printed circuitry could alternatively or partially be used. Switch 109 is a reciprocal on/off switch, i.e., press and it turns on, press again and it turns off, repeating the cycle with each depression. Thus, pressing the flexible front end of nail lamp 11 will turn the lamp 111 on and pressing again will turn it off.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferred embodiment present invention nail 200. Nail 200 includes a base substrate 201, with a bottom 203 and a top 205. As above with respect to FIG. 1, bottom 205 may have adhesive on it, or adhesive may be applied to it, to the natural nail to which it is attached or both. On the top of base substrate 201 and attached to it or encased or otherwise held in the device, is a battery, fuel cell or other power source 207, a lamp 211 and a switch 209. Attached at the top is a transparent or translucent top member 213. This top member may be formed of any functional plastic, such as those described for the base substrate heretofore. Power source 207 is electrically connected to lamp 211 and to switch 109, as shown. Lamp 211 is an LCD, LED, Incandescent, fluorescent, neon, gas or any other type of lamp that will work within this configuration on DC power. Switch 109 is a reciprocal on/off switch, and operates when top member 213 is pressed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferred embodiment present invention nail 300 using a flat lamp similar to that in FIG. 1 above, but with a remote power source and switch. Nail 300 includes a base substrate 301, with adhesive 307 on its bottom. On the top of base substrate 301 and attached to it is an electroluminescent sheet lamp 303 that has a smooth top laminate, a phosphorus interlayer and a base laminate with appropriate circuitry for completing the circuit to illuminate it. Power source 305 is electrically connected to switch 311 and connected to lamp 303, via wires 309, as shown and electrically operates by turning the switch 311 on and off, as the wearer may desire.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cut side view of another preferred embodiment present invention nail 400 using an LCD, an LED or incandescent lamp with remote components. Nail 400 includes a base substrate 401. On the top of base substrate 401 and attached to it is an embedded, encased or otherwise attached lamp 403, and on top is smooth top member 405 that is at least partially translucent or transparent. Power source 305 is electrically connected to switch 311 and connected to lamp 303, via wires 309, as shown and electrically operates by turning the switch 311 on and off, as the wearer may desire.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a present invention artificial nail 501 connected to a ring 507 via wires 503 and power source and switch 509. The wires must have sufficient length so that when a wearer wears the nail and ring, the wires are not separated when the finger is flexed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a present invention nail 601 connected to a finger-cut glove 607 via wires 603 to power source 605 and switch 609. Again, the wires must have sufficient length so that when a wearer wears the nail and glove, the wires are not separated when the finger is flexed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view a present invention nail 701 connected to an adhesive pad 705 via wires 703 to power source 707 and switch 709. This pad 705 may be adhered to the back of the hand of the forearm or any other area close to the finger. Again, the wires must have sufficient length so that when a wearer wears the nail and pad, the wires are not separated when the finger is flexed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a present invention nail 801 connected to a bracelet or watch 805 via wires 803 to power source and switch 807. Again, the wires must have sufficient length so that when a wearer wears the nail and glove, the wires are not separated when the finger is flexed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a set of present invention nails from taken FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, applied to nails and in full illumination. Here, hand 900 has present invention illuminated nails 901, 903, 905, 907 and 909 to illustrate the present invention in full use.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. An illuminated artificial nail, which comprises: (a.) a base substrate having a top view footprint of a shape and size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, and having sufficient flexibility to form into, or having a general curvature of, a human nail, said base substrate being attachable to a human fingernail; (b.) a lamp fixed to and located atop said base substrate; (c.) a power source connected to said lamp to illuminate it; (d.) a top member having a single planar smooth top surface, said top member being selected from the group consisting of a top portion of said lamp, and a cover on top of said lamp and having at least a portion thereof being light transmittable.
 2. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 1 wherein said artificial nail further includes an on/off switch connect to said power source and to said lamp.
 3. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 1 wherein said power source is located between said top member and said base substrate.
 4. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 1 wherein said power source is located remotely from said base substrate and is connected via wiring to said lamp.
 5. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 4 wherein said power source has a housing that is attachable to a human and includes attachment means selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a strap, a ring, a cut glove, and a bracelet.
 6. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 1 wherein said lamp is elected from the group consisting of an LED, an LCD, a DC incandescent bulb and a laminated flat lamp.
 7. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 6 wherein said laminated flat lamp is a flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source.
 8. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 7 wherein said nail includes said base substrate, a flat power cell attached to the top said base substrate, a reciprocating on/off switch atop said base substrate and circuitry connecting said power cell, said on/off switch and said lamp, said lamp being said flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source wherein its top laminate layer has said smooth top surface.
 9. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 8 wherein said flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source is flexible at said switch, said switch is located below it and said switch may be turned on and off by pressing said flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source.
 10. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 1 wherein said nail is a disposable nail and includes illumination activation means that may be activated upon application to a nail.
 11. An illuminated artificial nail, which comprises: (a.) a base substrate having a top and a bottom, and having a top view footprint of a shape and size to fit onto at least a portion of a human nail, and having sufficient flexibility to form into, or having a general curvature of, a human nail, said base substrate being attachable to a human fingernail; (b.) an adhesive layer located on said bottom of said base substrate for attachment to a nail; (c.) a lamp fixed to and located atop said base substrate; (d.) a power source connected to said lamp to illuminate it; (e.) a top member having a single planar smooth top surface, said top member being selected from the group consisting of a top portion of said lamp, and a cover on top of said lamp and having at least a portion thereof being light transmittable.
 12. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 11 wherein said artificial nail further includes an on/off switch connect to said power source and to said lamp.
 13. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 11 wherein said power source is located between said top member and said base substrate.
 14. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 11 wherein said power source is located remotely from said base substrate and is connected via wiring to said lamp.
 15. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 14 wherein said power source has a housing that is attachable to a human and includes attachment means selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a strap, a ring, a cut glove, and a bracelet.
 16. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 11 wherein said lamp is elected from the group consisting of an LED, an LCD, a DC incandescent bulb and a laminated flat lamp.
 17. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 16 wherein said laminated flat lamp is a flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source.
 18. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 17 wherein said nail includes said base substrate, a flat power cell attached to the top said base substrate, a reciprocating on/off switch atop said base substrate and circuitry connecting said power cell, said on/off switch and said lamp, said lamp being said flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source wherein its top laminate layer has said smooth top surface.
 19. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 18 wherein said flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source is flexible at said switch, said switch is located below it and said switch may be turned on and off by pressing said flat, laminated, phosphorous-based electroluminescent sheet light source.
 20. The illuminated artificial nail of claim 11 wherein said nail is a disposable nail and includes illumination activation means that may be activated upon application to a nail. 